At Lancaster Puppies, animal welfare is our top priority. As part of our commitment to responsible breeding practices, we have a strict policy regarding the listing of puppies that may result from double merle (also known as double dapple) pairings.
What is a Double Merle?
A double merle occurs when two merle-patterned dogs are bred together, resulting in offspring that inherit two copies of the merle gene (MM genotype). While the merle coat pattern is visually striking, this genetic combination is widely known to carry a high risk of serious congenital health issues, including:
Partial or complete hearing loss
Vision impairment or blindness
Eye deformities, including missing or underdeveloped eyes
Increased risk of being born with skeletal or neurological issues
These conditions can drastically reduce the quality of life for affected puppies and often require lifelong medical care.
Our Policy
We do not support or encourage the intentional breeding of two merle dogs due to the known health risks to the resulting puppies. Sellers found to be regularly or knowingly producing double merle litters may have their accounts permanently suspended.
We also recognize that in some cases, a litter may be the result of an unintentional pairing, or the breeder may not have been fully informed of the risks. In these cases, our goal is to support the welfare of the puppies already born by ensuring transparency and promoting responsible rehoming.
Listings for puppies from merle-to-merle pairings will only be considered on a case-by-case basis, and only if all of the following criteria are met:
DNA testing is provided to confirm the merle status of both parents
Each puppy undergoes health screenings for hearing and vision (exams by a registered veterinarian or specialist)
The listing includes a clear disclosure explaining the parent pairing and confirming that health testing has been completed
The breeder acknowledges and agrees not to breed or list merle-to-merle litters again, and if found in contravention understands they will be removed from the platform.
If a listing appears to involve two merle parents, our team will suspend all listings and reach out to the seller for clarification and documentation. In cases where a seller fails to provide the required information or refuses to comply, the account will be permanently removed.
We also welcome reports from our community. If you suspect a listing involves a double merle litter, please contact our Trust & Safety team - your input helps us keep the platform safe and ethical for both puppies and buyers.
Why This Matters
Our goal is to create a safe and informed space where animals are treated with care and respect. By discouraging irresponsible breeding practices and promoting transparency, we hope to improve outcomes for puppies, breeders, and future pet owners.
Need Help?
We’re here for you! If you run into any issues or have questions, easily send us a support ticket by filling in this Support Ticket form!